Bucs favorite Alstott retires
TAMPA, FLORIDA (TICKER) —Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Mike Alstott confirmed his retirement Thursday.
The six-time Pro Bowler hangs it up after a 12-year career, during which time he became the Bucs all-time leader in touchdowns with 71 and rushing touchdowns with 56.
“I’m here to officially announce my retirement from football and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though mentally I feel I can continue, physically, I can’t,” Alstott said. “The second injury to my neck with prevent me from playing football forever.
“Today is a day of mixed emotions. I’m very sad to be walking away from the game I love. But at the same time I am excited and blessed that it has taken me this far.”
Alstott teared up as he thanked coaches and teammates for helping him during his career.
“The memories we have created are priceless, and I continue part of my family,” Alstott said.
Alstott missed the entire 2007 season after suffering neck pain during training camp. The 34-year-old, who had neck surgery in 2003, was told to sit out the year and was placed on injured reserve.
During an interview with WDAE 620-AM radio earlier this month, Alstott said it “wouldn’t be worth” having further surgery in a bid to continue his career.
Bucs coach Jon Gruden said that Alstott would be welcomed back to franchise in the future.
“It’s been an unbelievable career and we’ll never forget you,” Gruden told Alstott at Thursday’s news conference. “It’s been a pleasure, it’s been an honor to coach one of the best players in Bucs history. We’re going to miss you, and we’re going to try and hire you, brother, to do something.”
A power runner with pass-catching skills, Alstott enjoyed his best season in 1999, when he helped the Bucs reach the NFC title game by gaining 1,188 total yards, including 949 rushing yards, and scoring nine touchdowns.
He also was a member of the 2002 squad which won the Super Bowl.
Perhaps the most popular player in team history, Alstott is second on the franchise list with 5,088 yards rushing.
Brian Glazer said the team planned to celebrate Alstott’s career at a home game during the 2008 season - an event that will be planned once the new schedule is released.
